Methanol, or methyl alcohol, is a colorless, odorless liquid. In the United States, it is most commonly used as a chemical feedstock, solvent, or to produce the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Methanol can be used straight (M100) as a gasoline or diesel substitute or blended with 15 percent gasoline (M85).

In 2005, petroleum companies began moving away from the use of MTBE as a gasoline additive due to growing concern over water contamination caused by MTBE.

Today, methanol-fueled consumer vehicles are largely unavailable. Methanol is still used as a fuel for race cars, monster trucks, go-carts and model planes, boats, and cars. Methanol is also a fuel source for fuel cells.

Figure 6 Methanol fuel-cell car The hydrogen for this car's fuel cell is produced on-board from methanol.